Introduction to sociology Essay

Submitted By thomaskavanagh
Words: 1613
Pages: 7
Open Document
Sociology Assignment

Sociology is often criticised for being similar to common sense, but sociology differs from common sense in a number of ways. Common sense is based on the main beliefs of a society, whereas sociology gathers evidence to examine and analyse the main beliefs of society. An example of this would be sociological research into suicide (Durkheim, 1897) which gathered evidence to determine the causes of suicide rather than use the common sense assumption that it was depressed people who killed themselves. This research shows that sociologists also analyse society from a critical angle which differs from common sense assumptions. Sociology is also compared with other social sciences. It is similar to Psychology in the way it observes social norms and behaviours, but differs because sociology takes a more holistic view of this, for example studying the relationship between the family and education. It also shares Political Theories’ interest in power and governance but looks also at the wider social processes involved, which contrasts with the more reductionist view of political theory.

Social Structure
Sociologists use social structure to demonstrate the way society is made up. They research social institutions such as education and the media to discover how they contribute to societies overall construction. An example of this would be research into the benefits of social media in higher education (Jadu, 2009).

Social Stratification
Stratification is used to describe the inequality between different groups in society, for example race, gender or class. Horizontal stratification is a difference of power based on social group. Vertical stratification is the division of roles within society based on social group. An example of this being used is the research into the importance of class systems in Nordic countries (Brooks et al 2010).

Social Processes
Social processes are used to explain the way society regulates behaviour and promotes conformity. Socialisation is the process of preparing for society, both primary in the family and secondary in education. Social control is the way society maintains social norms and values. An example of this would be research into the relationship between family attachments and deviancy (Dornbusch et al 2001). Sociologists have different perspectives when trying to understand society. The three main perspectives are functionalism, conflict theories and symbolic interactionism.
Functionalism is a macro perspective, meaning it takes a holistic view of society. It assumes that society is made up of interrelated social institutions which work as a collective in order to maintain stability; For example, educating young people in order for them to contribute to the economy later in life. It also assumes that the basis for society is a set of core values and beliefs, which maintain social order and stability. Functionalists have attempted to explain social problems such as suicide (Durkheim 1897) by relating it to a breakdown in the connection people have with society, thus creating a problem. A more contemporary view of functionalism would be the economic functionalism of Milton Freedman and free market economics, which assumes that free markets always work towards an equilibrium or stability.
One advantage of this is functionalism provides a holistic view of society, which can be backed up with evidence. An obvious critique of this perspective is that it ignores the history behind institutions, for example the monarchy, which has no function in today’s society. A conflict theorist would argue that functionalism promotes the status quo by ignoring power structures within society, although the point can be made that functionalism promotes cooperation between different social groups to benefit the collective.
Conflict theory is another macro perspective based on the belief society is divided hierarchically into groups which are stratified in terms of power along class, gender and
Show More

Related Documents: Introduction to sociology Essay

An Introduction To Sociology

SOC 101-J002, J003 (73224, 73225) Introduction to Sociology Dr. David Wachtel, Professor of Sociology Bluegrass Community and Technical College Community College Spring 2013 Office: 230 MB Office Telephone: 246-6324 Office Manager: 226 MB / 246-6322 Office Hours: M,W,F -10-11 T,Th 11-12 Program Coordinator: Associate Professor Ryan Kelly- MB237-246-6328 EMAIL- david.wachtel@kctcs.edu Assistant Dean- Professor Vicki…

Words 2091 - Pages 9

Introduction to Sociology Essay

INTRO SOCIOLOGY Sociology: a systematic study of society Sociological imagination: learning to think like a sociologist; sociologist doesn’t put the blame fully on one person (thinks outside the box); social forces at work that we don’t see Personal trouble: ex) can’t find a job Public troubles: ex) group of people can’t find a job Microsociology: a small look at things ex) between you and friends, roommates, etc Macro sociology: a big look at things; the “big picture” Theory: a set of…

Words 792 - Pages 4

Essay on Sociology introduction

Trang Nguyen HIST 1301 Sheryl Ballard Feb 08, 2015 The Motivations of European Countries’ Expansion into the New World European countries have many various motivations to explore the New World. However, we can see that their main motivations are to spread their religious believes, own more land and gain wealth by finding gold. The purpose of my essay is to discuss about many countries of Europe and their motivations regarding their expansion into the New World. At first, the religious belief is…

Words 383 - Pages 2

Introduction to Sociology Essay

concern, this time she started to assume the worse with our relationship, my health or something else of a different matter of which I denied, then admit I don’t feel social today but fail to tell her that I was trying to do an assignment for my sociology class that involve her. The next day I continued with my assignment to see if there would be more outcome from me being peculiarly silent and antisocial and there was, she became more self-conscious with her appearance by wearing more attractive…

Words 401 - Pages 2

An Introduction To Sociology: Its Promise And Power

UNIT ONE AN INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY: ITS PROMISE AND POWER TABLE OF CONTENTS Page UNIT ONE: INTRODUCTION An Introduction to Sociology: its Promise and Power ................................................ 1 Part A: Sociology – Defamiliarising the Familiar .............................................................. 2 1. Sociology and Common Sense............................................................................ 2 2. The Sociological Imagination: Insights, Themes and Skills…

Words 7507 - Pages 31

Introduction to Sociology Essay

Intro to Sociology Sociology is the systematic study of human society. It is about human beings interacting together and what happens when we interact with each other. Sociology is literally the study of society and how it works. Every time we come in contact with another human being, it’s a form of sociology. Sociologists study the social trends in society. Life is surrounded with various issues from a social standpoint. We all live, dress, speak, and act a certain way because of the way we…

Words 1388 - Pages 6

Introduction to Sociology essay work in progress

Introduction to Sociology “Sociology is the scientific study of human groups and social behaviour, including its origins, development, organisations, and institutions”. (Anon., n.d.) It uses various methods of investigation and analysis to develop knowledge about social order, social disorder and social change. Sociology and psychology are both social sciences, and deal with behaviour. Sociologists focus on groups of people -- societies, including culture, religion and traditions. Sociologists…

Words 3378 - Pages 14

Introduction to Sociology Assignment Week 3 Essay example

Introduction to Sociology Assignment Week 3 Question and Answer: From what you have read in the chapter on culture, do you think that a global culture is emerging? Do you think the prospect of a global culture is a good or bad thing? Why/ why not? Culture as defined by the text is the ways of thinking, the ways of acting, and the material objects that together from a people’s way of life. Added, this definition includes something called material culture and nonmaterial culture. To be frank, I…

Words 600 - Pages 3

Essay about Sociologists

Sociology is considered a science because it uses the scientific method. Using various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis, sociology is considered a social science. Sociology looks at a wide range of behavior than economist or political scientist. Political science studies the organization and functioning of system government. Sociology also studies political life but less as an isolated phenomenon and more in terms of general sociological principles. The focus of the economist…

Words 1340 - Pages 6

SOC 120 UoP Week 1 DQ 1 Essay

representation in the military? What would a sociologist say about how society shaped Americans’ decisions to join the military? Support your answer by drawing from the sociological perspective. Deadline: ( ), Sociology - General Sociology Looking for Full Course of Ashford University SOC120: Introduction to Ethics Social Responsibility You should always keep up on a routine if you are in college. If you do not do this it will be far too easy just to skip out on study sessions. You need to be self…

Words 417 - Pages 2